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Grizzlies Trade Ja Morant to Trail Blazers

It signals Memphis’ full rebuild, gives Portland a low-cost, high-upside gamble that creates a crowded backcourt, awaiting NBA approval.

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Dec 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) advances the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Grizzlies agreed Monday to send two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, with the swap reported as pending NBA approval and routine physicals.
  • Morant still has two years left on his contract, carrying roughly $42.2 million for 2026-27 and $44.9 million for 2027-28, which depressed his market value and helped produce a trade with minimal draft compensation.
  • Portland adds a high-upside scorer but now faces a crowded guard rotation that includes Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, creating immediate questions about starters, minutes and possible follow-up moves.
  • Multiple reports say Memphis received no draft picks in the deal and that Portland may have received $1 million in cash, a structure commentators compared to other surprising low-compensation trades this year.
  • The move formally closes the chapter on Memphis’ former core after earlier trades of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and it could reshape both teams’ plans for free agency and future roster construction.